Drinking Coffee to Reduce Chronic Pain

Submitted by rachel meyer on Wed, 07/17/2013 - 4:51pm

When searching for therapies to reduce chronic pain, one normally wouldn’t think of drinking coffee. Maybe it is part of your morning routine or maybe you don’t even like the taste at all. Either way, it works, according to a Norwegian study.

At American Spine, physicians encourage patients to make lifestyle changes that will improve their quality of life and reduce chronic pain. Exercising is the easiest way to do so, but drinking coffee may just take the lead.

The BMS Research Notes, a journal of scientific studies, published a report from Norway, which suggests that drinking a cup of coffee in the morning can reduce physical work pain. This study was specific towards people who work computer-related jobs and who struggle with neck and shoulder pain.

In the study, researchers from Norway’s National Institute of Occupational Health found that 40% of the individuals who drank a cup of coffee reported feeling less intensified pain than the people who did not. These individuals also reported a shoulder and neck pain intensity of 41 (based on a 100 point scale), compared with a 55 for those who did not drink coffee

The LA Times found that moderate coffee drink can promote whole body wellness with things such as:

Helps with weight loss

Promotes muscle growth

Protects against some cancers

Reduces risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia

Reduces risk of symptomatic gallstones (gallbladder disease)

Reduces likelihood of strokes

Research also confirms that individuals with type 2 diabetes and drink up to six cups of coffee a day actually lower their odds of developing the disease. The magnesium in the coffee is a mineral linked with blood-sugar regulation.

The next step for these researches is to run a controlled trial. Their study was small and needs standard scientific evidence to whole-heartedly back up their conclusions. The researchers point out that coffee consumption prior to exercise will diminish muscle pain while performing aerobics and strength exercises.

For more information on how to take control of your chronic pain, schedule an appointment with a physician. Coffee may not be the solution to reducing your pain, but American Spine have numerous treatment options that they craft to best care for you.

At American Spine, we are dedicated to treating conditions of the spine and chronic pain. Offering the latest in minimally invasive spine surgery and other effective treatment options, American Spine is the leading pain physician group of California. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (951)-734-PAIN (7246)

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.